§ 33. Mr. Nabarroasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the total installed capacity, M.W.I., of electric power in the United Kingdom, excluding independent generators, at the latest convenient date, and the comparable figures for 1952 and 1951; and whether capacity available is now sufficient to match the maximum ascertainable peak load demand from all sources, in all areas, during this winter.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydOn 31st October, 18,594, 16,996 and 15,524 respectively. We are not in the happy position of being able everywhere to meet all the maximum loads during the height of the winter if the winter is exceedingly cold, but the position this year is better than last year which itself was much better than the year before.
§ Mr. NabarroDo not these figures reflect the adequacy of my right hon. Friend's policy in making sufficient funds available to the British Electricity Authority for capital investment and is not this a marked improvement on the policy of the right hon. Member for Derby, South (Mr. Noel-Baker)?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIs not the electricity which is now being provided a result of the splendid investment made by the National Coal Board several years ago? May I ask the Minister what action he and the Minister of Labour are taking in the vital policy of load spreading?
§ Mr. LloydI think that a good contribution has also been made by the improvements which the British Electricity Authority have made in the avail ability of plant in the winter months.